Theses : HonoursCopyright (c) 2016 Edith Cowan University All rights reserved.http://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons
Recent documents in Theses : Honoursen-usWed, 30 Nov 2016 19:31:51 PST3600Bob Brookmeyer: composer, performer, pedagoguehttp://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1488
http://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1488Wed, 10 Aug 2016 20:52:19 PDT
Before my California stay (1968-1978) I considered myself a player first and a writer second, although I did a lot of writing, from Ray Charles to Thad [Jones] and Mel [Lewis].1 Since 1979 I have come to view myself as a composer who also plays trombone; add conducting and teaching and that gives me 4 hats to wear. I do not have a swollen head, so they all fit nicely. (Brookmeyer, 1997, n.p.)

Although acknowledged as one of the pivotal figures in twentieth-century jazz, the career and the music of Bob Brookmeyer has received scant attention in secondary literature. This dissertation seeks to rectify this imbalance.

Based on a recorded conversation between Brookmeyer and myself (Appendix A), his efforts as a composer and pedagogue are examined. From this conversation, many of Brookmeyer’s musical concepts on composition are illuminated: his ideas on risk taking; harmony; colour, and ways of developing material, are discussed alongside his pitch-module and white-note concepts. I show that the latter two techniques in fact step outside the jazz tradition and can be seen as new and fresh compositional approaches...

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Mace FrancisHuman - animal interaction and the benefits to mental health: A phenomenological studyhttp://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1487
http://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1487Tue, 09 Aug 2016 20:45:47 PDT
The prevalence of mental illness is a major concern in Australia and worldwide. It is one of the leading causes of disability in Australia and it is estimated that globally one in four people will experience a mental illness at some point in their life. One of the lesser known therapies and activities in the mental health field are animal assisted interventions that incorporate animals as part of the therapeutic or ameliorative process. Although emerging research literature shows that interaction with animals has positive effects on mental health and wellbeing, it is not clearly understood how and why there are benefits. Accordingly, the research question for this study is:

In what ways can human-animal interactions benefit mental health?

Guided by a phenomenological methodology, in-depth interviews were conducted with three participants who regularly interact with animals and identify as having or had depression in the last two years. The aim of the study was to explore participant’s experiences of the benefits of interaction with animals to mental health and to show how and where human animal interaction can benefit mental health. This study has showed how interaction with animals has direct and indirect benefits to mental health and wellbeing and argues that animals can play an important role in improving human mental health.

The following eight themes were identified: company and comfort, social interaction, social skills and belonging, structure and balance, helping, learning and life skills, sense of achievement, fun and enjoyment, and passionate caring. The significance of this study for social work are that the results lend weight to understanding the ways in which animals can benefit mental health. Implications for practice suggest that involving clients in the care of animals can foster social interaction and the development of social skills and by extension improve mental health and wellbeing. Keeping animals on the premises of residential programs and enabling clients to interact with them could provide clients with comfort and company. Furthermore, clients who express an interest in animals could be encouraged to volunteer with animals as a way to manage their mental health, gain confidence and learn new skills.

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Jasmin JauIndirect approaches: A systematic review of paediatric dysphagia interventionshttp://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1486
http://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1486Sun, 29 May 2016 19:14:10 PDTBackground and purpose: Dysphagia can be described as difficulty within the oral, pharyngeal and/or oesophageal phases of deglutition and occurs in approximately 80% of children with developmental disabilities, according to the American Speech and Hearing Association (2015). It occurs when there is impairment to the motor and/or sensory aspects of swallowing, due to a range of disorders affecting the voluntary and reflexive components of deglutition. The ability to swallow safely is essential in preventing medical complications, sustaining life and maintaining social participation. Paediatric interventions can be categorized into three broad approaches; direct, indirect and mixed. At present, two systematic reviews have examined the efficacy of direct interventions. Despite a large body of evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of indirect paediatric dysphagia interventions, no studies have systematically grouped and compared the relative effectiveness of indirect interventions, across all paediatric ages and conditions.

Methods and procedure: Following a comprehensive search of 19 databases by two independent searches and using an identical search strategy, a systematic review appraised 13 randomized and non-randomized control studies relating to indirect paediatric dysphagia interventions. Based on retrieved results, indirect interventions included modified equipment, environmental changes and altered rate of food and liquid presentation. Articles included in the analysis were rated for quality on two separate appraisal scales; The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and the Pedro Scale. Additionally, effect size calculations and forest plots were derived to standardize and compare the effects of individual intervention types.

Outcomes and results: The review demonstrated that whilst a lack of high quality evidence exists in the field of paediatric dysphagia, the available RCTs are of high methodological quality. Overall, effect size calculations demonstrate a positive trend towards improved feeding, anthropometric measures and length of hospital stay outcomes for interventions involving modified equipment, environmental changes and altered rate of presentation.

Conclusions: The available RCT evidence involving indirect interventions are of high methodological quality. As effects of these interventions demonstrate positive outcomes, Speech Pathologists should continue to implement these interventions within everyday practice. To further validate the effects of indirect management approaches, additional high quality research is required.

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Bianca PianoInteractions between a Speech Pathologist and people with aphasia in the first 6 weeks post stroke: A qualitative study of assessment experienceshttp://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1485
http://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1485Wed, 27 Apr 2016 22:23:27 PDT
This study examines clinician and client interactions in the context of an acute care unit in a small urban Western Australian Hospital. The study involved audiovisual recordings and observations of assessment sessions, and in-depth interviews with the assessing Speech Pathologist and her clients. Analysis used Discourse Analysis of assessment sessions and Thematic Analysis of interviews. There is growing evidence as to how less formal non-traditional assessment might be more supportive of people with aphasia—for instance, by using concepts and techniques drawn from Dynamic Assessment and principles of Adult Learning. Surveys of Australian and New Zealand Speech Pathologists reflect a move away from standardised tests in acute settings, finding Speech Pathologists are more likely to use informal and/or unstandardised assessment tools. However, little research has been conducted about the assessment experiences of people with aphasia, particularly in the early stages post- stroke. The purpose of this study is to describe and analyse typical contemporary speech pathology practices in assessment of people with aphasia in the early stages post-stroke, and explore how assessment is experienced by both the assessing clinician and the person assessed.
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Penelope Judith WoodEarly intervention of parent-infant interactions in preterm infants: A systematic reviewhttp://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1483
http://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1483Wed, 20 Apr 2016 20:39:10 PDT
Every year approximately 15 million babies are born preterm. These infants are at an increased risk of language, and other developmental delays due to their immature brain development and higher incidence of brain abnormalities. They also have poorer health outcomes in the early stages of life which may go on to hinder successful parent-infant interactions. Successful parent-infant interactions are important for infant developmental outcomes such as language, cognition and behaviour. While interventions targeting the promotion of positive interactions have been found to have positive effects in a number of populations to date, interactions involving preterm infants have not been explored. Given the vulnerability of this population to language and other developmental delays, it is of value to know whether early interventions in this area will be useful to this population as well.

Objectives: This review sets out to answer the following question – “Is early parent-based intervention targeting parent-infant interactions effective for later language development in preterm infants?”

Methods: This study is a systematic review which follows the conventions set out by the Cochrane Collaboration. Seven electronic databases were searched (CINAHL, Cochrane, ERIC, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, PubMed, & Scopus) by two independent reviewers who also assessed studies for eligibility. Eligibility criteria were: Randomised control trials (RCT) or controlled cohort studies that looked at interventions targeting parent-infant interaction in parents of preterm infants, and in which intervention occurred within the first three years of life.

Main results: Eight RCTs were identified as being eligible for the review. Primary outcomes identified within the studies included parent-infant interaction, parental mental health, and infant’s language, cognitive and behavioural outcomes. Six of the studies were included in data synthesis which showed that early intervention targeting parent-infant interactions had positive outcomes for decreasing parental stress, anxiety and depression, and better outcomes in infant’s language and cognitive development. The interventions were found to have little effect on infant’s behavioural outcomes.

Authors’ conclusions: Although the review suggests that early intervention that targets parent-infant interactions is effective in promoting later language development, none of the included studies looked specifically at this outcome. Further research is needed into interventions that specifically target language development as a result of parent-infant interactions, to provide further evidence.

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Stacey OsborneResting energy expenditure using indirect calorimetry in individuals with moderate to low burns: A pilot study of associated factors, patient acceptability and comparison with predictive equationshttp://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1482
http://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1482Mon, 18 Apr 2016 00:23:18 PDTBackground: Energy expenditure increases following a burn injury. The extent of hypermetabolism is dependent on a range of factors including burn total body surface area. Moderate to low burn injuries (< 15% TBSA) represent majority of hospital admissions for burn injuries however, their energy expenditure remains unpublished. While indirect calorimetry (IC) is the gold standard for determining energy requirements, less accurate predictive equations are often used in practice. Acceptability of IC from a burn patient perspective has not been published.

Aim: To describe the resting energy expenditure (REE) of patients with a moderate to low burn injury using IC; compare measured REE to predictive equations; and determine the patient acceptability of IC.

Methods: Demographic, anthropometric and dietary data were collected for five male and three female burn patients. REE was determined using indirect calorimetry (Ultima CPX) and five predictive methods (Schofield, Harris-Benedict, Toronto and the Ireton-Jones equations, and energy-per-kilogram formulae). A written questionnaire assessed patient acceptability. Results: Mean measured REE was 6494 ± 1625 kJ/day, lower than reported REE of major burn populations from the literature (p < 0.05). At a group level, the Schofield and Toronto equation were accurate to within ± 10% of the measured REE with a mean difference of 5.21 ± 12.16% and 8.89 ± 12.64%, respectively. At an individual level, the Schofield equation was accurate for 67% of participants and overestimated REE for 33% of participants. The Toronto equation was accurate for 50% of participants and overestimated REE for 50% of participants. IC was acceptable from a patient perspective with all participants willing to repeat the measure.

Conclusions: Results of this study support routine use of IC in moderate to low burn injuries, as it is acceptable to patients and avoids the inaccuracies of predictive equations. Where IC is not available, results suggest that the Schofield equation be used with caution to estimate REE for moderate to low burn injuries. Given the small sample size of this study, further research on the REE of moderate to low burn injuries is warranted.

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Janica BellFrom Artefact Design to Service Design Thinking Innovationshttp://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1481
http://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1481Sun, 17 Apr 2016 23:12:04 PDT
This research will explore the effect of the introduction of service design methods to graphic designers, and whether graphic designers are limited to the design of ephemeral artifacts or instead can play a significant role in the innovation of products and services among larger industry and community based projects in Perth, Western Australia, and perhaps even enrich service design processes themselves. This thesis will examine established graphic design disciplinary processes as well as alterations to those practices via the introduction of service design methods. In addition, these service design processes will also be applied to a complex live service orientated project in order to assess how graphic design skills fit within a service design context and from this, how innovated outcomes are reached.

The field of graphic design is one that has historically battled to assert itself as offering a specialised skill set which can be utilized by a broad range of industry and community business sectors. Cameron Tonkinwise (2011), Director of Design Studies at Carnegie Mellon University, asserts that graphic designers have been depicted as merely making products ‘look good’ but in fact the powerful system of creative tools incorporated to develop effective visual communication outcomes should be vocalized (p. 535). The perceptions of graphic design have been determined by the artifacts it produces and not the skills from which these products are derived.

The key theorists of service design, an emerging field of design, advocate the innovation of products and services through positive user/customer experiences via a multi-disciplinary approach. This service design thinking structure incorporates graphic designers alongside other disciplines so as to deeply investigate what product or service is needed or whether it is needed at all.

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Erica OrmsbyA stylistic analysis of Recess performed by Charlie Hunter from the DVD Right Now Livehttp://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1480
http://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1480Sun, 17 Apr 2016 22:55:43 PDT
Charlie Hunter is a guitarist who has gained international recognition for his ability to perform guitar parts and bass lines simultaneously on his hybrid guitar. His ability to construct solos within the context of simultaneous bass line and chordal accompaniment, along with methods he employed to create percussive textures, were the central points of discussion for this dissertation. Hunter’s original composition Recess was selected from the Hunter DVD Right Now Live1, which was transcribed and analysed.

This research is significant due to the lack of detailed analysis of Hunter's techniques in an unaccompanied setting, and to the researcher’s knowledge, there are no dissertations published which focus specifically on Charlie Hunter’s guitar techniques (in this context).

The methodology of the dissertation was based upon transcription and analysis, and driven by the following three research questions:

1) How does Hunter construct improvised solos within the context of his simultaneous bass line and chordal playing?

2) What guitar effects and techniques has Hunter used to create textures suited to the specific musical contexts in which Hunter performs?

3) What left-hand techniques/fingering approaches does Hunter use while simultaneously improvising over his real-time accompaniment?

The first research question was answered by identifying the basic musical material Hunter used to develop the solo. Next, the following research question was addressed by defining techniques (in relation to proper literature) and equipment used by Hunter to create textures reflective of the genres he performs in. Hunter's left hand fingering approaches were presented within the explanations of the previous two questions.

By analysing his performance of Recess, it could be observed that though Hunter used complex harmonic ideas, he framed them within simpler melodic and rhythmic frameworks. Moreover, he used creative approaches to form and methodical applications of fingering to make his style more achievable. However, the strongest aspect of his style was evident in how Hunter changed the interdependency of his guitar parts, bass parts and percussive textures throughout the solo. It is hoped that the findings of this study will aid other musicians in adapting Hunter’s technique.

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Joshua De SilvaAccidental opioid overdose fatalities in Western Australia, 2008-2012: A case for more targeted interventionhttp://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1479
http://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1479Sun, 10 Apr 2016 18:52:23 PDT
While there are current opioid overdose prevention strategies in Western Australia, these strategies are targeted at illicit opioid users and rely on bystander presence to intervene. The aim of the current study was to identify disparities between current overdose prevention strategies and the actual circumstances surrounding opioid related fatalities, to inform the development of best-practice opioid overdose prevention strategies for Western Australia. To do this, coronial files were drawn from the National Coronial Information System for accidental illicit opioid related fatalities (N = 329) and accidental prescription opioid related fatalities (N = 126) for the years 2008 to 2012. Each group was separately examined for prevalence of bystander presence at fatal opioid overdoses, the help seeking behaviours of those present, reasons for not intervening, and whether there were there any demographic variables associated with bystander presence. Additionally, the illicit opioid group was examined for geographical fatality clusters. The results showed that the majority of both illicit opioid and prescription opioid fatalities occurred where there was no bystander present to intervene. Where there was bystander presence and the overdose was recognised, emergency services were frequently engaged. However, many bystanders failed to recognise an overdose in time to intervene. These findings suggest that current WA interventions that rely on bystander presence to intervene will have limited value in preventing opioid overdose fatalities. More emphasis must be placed on addressing solitary opioid use, as well as efforts to equip likely bystanders with the skills to recognise and respond to opioid overdose
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Natalie J. CastalanelliThe Missing Link: Filling the gap and achieving success in Australian contrabass auditionshttp://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1478
http://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1478Sun, 10 Apr 2016 18:24:17 PDT
In Australia, a contrabass player who wishes to win a full-time orchestral position must pass a formal audition. Australian contrabass auditions normally consist of both solo works and a set of orchestral excerpts. In order to be successful in the audition, the aspiring musician must meet the standard expected by the adjudicating panel of musicians. This dissertation explores the keys to success in such auditions, shining light upon why some musicians are successful and others not. A series of interviews have been conducted with string musicians around Australia to assist in discovering optimal strategies and approaches to achieving success. Practising and studying the required orchestral excerpts is also key to performing a successful audition. This process can be achieved by systematically working through contrabass excerpt books, accumulating a knowledge of the repertoire and developing a high performance standard in preparation for auditions. However, there is a gap within the commercially available contrabass excerpt books. In these books, the information provided by the authors is limited to the orchestral part, marked only with bowings and fingerings. While information regarding bowing and fingerings is useful, incorporating information regarding tempo, vibrato, bow use, dynamics, orchestral context, phrasing and expression would also be beneficial. This dissertation explores the missing link neglected by these texts and offers a more comprehensive guide to the preparation of seven of the most frequently requested orchestral excerpts in Australia.
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Giovanni VinciRed dirt writing: Journalism, Foucault and the transformation of Onslowhttp://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1477
http://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1477Wed, 30 Mar 2016 20:12:11 PDT
The remote town of Onslow in the Pilbara region of WA plays host to two massive liquefied natural gas plants that will contribute billions to the state and national economy over the next 50 years. Recognising the importance of creating a first draft of history, the Tracking Onslow project was launched in 2012 by ECU and the Shire of Ashburton, to use journalism as a research methodology to document physical changes in the town and changing community perceptions about the gas plants and the companies that run them. The project produced six magazines over a three-year period. This practice-led thesis supplements the core research of the Tracking Onslow project by applying academic analysis to three investigative assignments undertaken for the Edition 6 Tracking Onslow magazine, to examine whether contemporary Australian journalism (as described by Lamble, 2004) can fulfill the watchdog function, as defined by Errington & Miragliotta (2011) in a resources town amongst corporate and government power struggles and bids to control the narrative. And, therefore; if projects like Tracking Onslow can fill functional gaps in contemporary Australian journalism practice and processes. The contextual analysis is based on Foucault's truth, knowledge and power paradigm. It identifies the journalistic processes and limitations inherent in the battle for information and truth, in order to provide a better understanding of the impact these limitations can have on the journalism produced.
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Karma Louise BarndonA comparative acoustic examination of infant cries: Children at high risk versus low risk for autism spectrum disorder developmenthttp://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1476
http://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1476Thu, 17 Mar 2016 21:25:30 PDTBackground: Early interventions for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have shown positive gains in children who enter therapy at a young age. However, commencement of early intervention is often hindered by challenges with diagnosis. Due to the complex nature of ASD, the age of detection can range from 2 years old into adulthood. This highlights the need for methods of early detection. Previous research has found infants at risk for ASD to present atypical cry characteristics, possibly as a result from damage to the brainstem. In particular, measures of fundamental frequency appear to be the most sensitive to variations between infants at risk for ASD and those at low risk.

Objectives: The present study is an examination of cries between infant’s at high risk and low risk for ASD, to investigate if there is an acoustic measure which could act as an early risk indicator.

Methods: 150 cries from 50 12 month old infants were examined for differences in fundamental frequency, intensity, formant frequencies. A further aim was to investigate perceived levels of distress felt by infants and its relationship to the reason for distress.

Main Results: There were no significant differences between the high risk and low risk cohorts on any of the acoustic measures. Distress ratings indicated that fatigue and unpleasant stimulation may impact the level of perceived distress observed by a listener. Conclusion: As it stands, infant cries may hold important diagnostic information, however the variance in methodologies between studies makes it difficult to corroborate findings. Increased reporting on methods of acoustic analysis and taking into account infant position and reason for distress would strengthen the finding sin future studies.

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Ildiko Eva BruzThe Adventurous Monk: A discussion of Eric Reed’s improvisational techniques and the influence of Thelonious Monkhttp://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1475
http://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1475Thu, 17 Mar 2016 21:04:45 PDT
This dissertation examines the improvisational style of notable jazz pianist Eric Reed, focusing on select performances from the album The Adventurous Monk. As is common for contemporary artists, Reed has not yet been the focus of academic study, despite the fact that his vast experience – particularly with jazz luminaries such as Wynton Marsalis – warranted such investigation. The endeavour of this research was to discuss the observable influence of Thelonious Monk on Reed’s improvisational style through musical transcription and comparative analysis of the two pianists’ solos on the Monk compositions ‘Work’ and ‘Nutty’. Complete Monk transcriptions were initially analysed for idiosyncratic devices and cross-referenced with existing literature to build an inventory of techniques to compare with Reed’s approach. Through this investigation, evidence of probable influence from Monk’s performance practices was observed in Reed’s use of melodic components, motivic development, large melodic intervals, and pianistic figurations. The two performers’ uses of asymmetric phrasing and complex rhythmic figures also demonstrated some notable similarities, though Reed’s approach incorporated modern ideas, including polyrhythmic figures and odd-meter phrasing. Whilst there were some similarities in the two players’ use of arpeggios, approach notes, surrounding techniques, and chromatic material, these devices are inherently more generic in the broader context of jazz improvisation, and a more in-depth study would be required to more definitively link their approaches. As a by-product of the analysis of Reed’s performances, additional devices demonstrating contemporary or alternative influences were noted. Reed’s use of an odd-meter arrangement in his performance on ‘Nutty’ is a common modern performance practice, and his montuno-based syncopation and double-handed melodic approach may have drawn influence from Afro-Caribbean music and alternative bebop pianists, respectively.
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Vaughn BeaverConstruct validity of the Developmental Test of Visual-Perception Third Edition (DTVP-3) in Western Australian primary school childrenhttp://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1474
http://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1474Mon, 14 Mar 2016 00:04:16 PDT
Visual perception is the ability to identify, organise, make meaning of and provide sense to what is seen in the world in which we live. Visual perceptual skills continuously develop in primary school children as seen in academic performance. If visual perceptual difficulties are unaddressed, the cumulative academic result can be detrimental throughout life. Thus, visual perceptual difficulties must be identified using tests that possess sound measurement properties to allow for early intervention. The purpose of the research was to determine the construct validity of the Developmental Test of Visual Perception Third Edition (DTVP-3). The DTVP-3 was designed and standardised in the United States (U.S.) and thus, its measurement properties should be assessed in the cultural contexts where it will be used. A pilot study was conducted using a quantitative non-experimental cross-sectional exploratory design with a non-probability convenience sample (n=91) of typically developing 6-10 year old Western Australian (WA) children. Preliminary parametric factor analysis (paired t-test) and correlations (Pearson’s) confirmed the two constructs of Visual Motor Integration and Motor Reduced Visual Perception. However, the copying subtest exhibited factor complexity within the population tested thus therapists should use the results of the Copying subtest with caution when determining Visual Motor Integration ability. The results add to the body of knowledge and provide evidence for confident use of the DTVP-3 in WA.
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Kirsten ClarkeEye movement patterns as an indicator of task automaticityhttp://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1473
http://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1473Thu, 10 Mar 2016 21:54:49 PST
Automaticity is a vital aspect of daily living, as it allows for tasks to be completed quickly and with the fraction of the cognitive load required for tasks that cannot be completed automatically. Task automaticity is commonly measured with reaction time, which is considered to be an indirect measure of behaviour. As more direct measures are becoming available, there is an opportunity to assess task automaticity in greater detail. The purpose of the current study was to determine whether eye movements change as participants reach task automaticity. The study involved 16 participants who were asked to complete the dot counting task while their eye movements were recorded. Each participant was presented with a stimulus that featured between 6 and 11 dots. Participants were required to indicate the number of dots presented on the screen by pressing a response pad as quickly as possible. The group results showed that the number of fixations and the overall fixation duration decreased as task proficiency increased. It was also found that a greater proportion of fixations was located in the centre of the stimulus as the task progressed. No changes were found in the mean fixation duration. An individual analysis highlighted performance differences between participants that could be due to factors such as strategy choice. The use of eye tracking and the evaluation of individual as well as group results provided richer insight into task automaticity and will assist in expanding the knowledge of this cognitive phenomenon. Having the ability to track task automaticity with eye tracking could also assist in school settings in situations where there is a need to determine skill proficiency.
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Olga ClarkeDevelopment of an in-field voltammetric method for the determination of bariumhttp://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1472
http://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1472Thu, 10 Mar 2016 16:53:19 PST
This work presents a reliable, cost-effective, rapid and infield voltammetric method for the detection of barium. The optimized method consists of an ultrathin mercury film deposited in-situ on a glassy carbon electrode in 0.02 M potassium chloride without deoxygenation; a deposition potential of -2500 mV, pulse height = 50 mV, step duration = 10 ms and a scan rate of 100 mV/s using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DP-ASV).

The linear working range for barium was determined to be 5 – 80 μg/L (r2 = 0.997), and limit of detection (LOD) was 1.6 μg/L, for 30 sec deposition time. Percent relative standard deviation for 10 measurements performed at 20 μg/L was 5.8%.

Application of the method allowed for the quantitative determination of barium concentration in a variety of waters, brake pad dust and gunshot residue (GSR) samples. Comparative analysis of sample results from DP-ASV with inductively-coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) showed a mean percent difference of 1.8%. The method also permitted the simultaneous measurement of barium and lead, crucial for GSR samples.

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Samantha N. RidgwayAn exploratory investigation into the impact of downsizing on occupational stress and organisational commitmenthttp://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1471
http://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1471Thu, 10 Mar 2016 16:31:00 PST
Downsizing has become an increasingly widespread organisational strategy to reduce costs in order to improve performance and remain globally competitive. However, the negative effects associated with survivor syndrome, a term used to describe a set of attitudes, feelings and perceptions that occur in employees who remain within an organisation following involuntary dismissal, continue to plague many organisations post-downsizing. Despite this prevalence of downsizing, little attention has been paid to explore the interrelationships between downsizing, occupational stress and organisational commitment of those who remain. Thus, the purpose of this research is to understand the effects of downsizing on survivors’ occupational stress and organisational commitment. The research questions explore this relationship from the viewpoint of eight academics from within one Western Australian (WA) education institution who experienced changes following the downsizing process in terms of an increased workload with less recognition and support. Data was collected via semi-structured interviews and was analysed using thematic analysis to identify common themes and patterns. Three significant findings emerged: (a) employees experienced symptoms of survivor syndrome including increased insecurity, decreased morale and several negative emotions associated with the downsizing; (b) the downsizing produced an increase in perceived occupational stress among participants; and; (c) participants’ increased occupational stress directly affected their organisational commitment, although the degree of impact varied. The findings from this study may potentially impact organisational change by helping to minimise the effects of survivor syndrome resulting from organisational change, by understanding the impact of downsizing on occupational stress and organisational commitment. This study also highlights the need for organisations to increase communication and transparency and encourage employee participation throughout the entire process to help to minimise the negative effects associated with downsizing.
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Bridget GirakZeena Parkins’ contribution to experimental music and the development of the harp in the late twentieth centuryhttp://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1470
http://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1470Thu, 04 Feb 2016 17:43:04 PST
This thesis will analyse and discuss the performance and compositional style of American harpist Zeena Parkins (b. 1956). It will outline her performative and compositional approaches in relation to the harp, and will describe a piece I have composed and performed, inspired by Parkins’ work.

Parkins’ use of the instrument outside of its traditional idioms is unique, pioneering the use of the harp as a tool for improvisation and composition by using extended techniques and a range of compositional approaches.

The research will outline her exploration and extension of the possibilities of the instrument as a performer, and how she has transformed common perceptions of the harp and of the harpist in contemporary music practice. It will examine her compositional style for the harp and will include an analysis of one of her works as a soloist. The thesis will conclude with a description of the work I have composed in her style.

The thesis is divided into four chapters: the first consisting of biographical information in order to contextualise Parkins’ music, while the second outlines her performance and compositional styles and techniques. Chapter three will present an example of Parkins’ work for analysis, which will be followed by a discussion of the piece I have written and how it is has been influenced by Parkins’ work.

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Catherine AshleyBeing Trans: An interpretative phenomenological study of young adultshttp://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1469
http://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1469Sun, 31 Jan 2016 23:37:02 PST
Social structures assume a binary classification of gender whereby people are expected to accept the female or male gender expectations and gender roles commonly associated with their biological sex. However, gender identity and gender expression are personal experiences which do not necessarily align with the sex assigned to a person at birth. Young adults who identify as trans resist the predictable relationships and boundaries of sex and gender by embracing diverse gender identities and expressions. Research acknowledging more favourable life experiences of trans youth is limited, despite the importance of a sound knowledge base necessary to provide a positive and affirmative environment within clinical practice. The lived experiences of trans youth was explored using an interpretative phenomenological framework to understand the personal meanings of the participants’ world view in relation to positive experiences. Ten participants between the ages of 18 and 24 years were interviewed, guided by a semi-structured interview schedule. Thematic analysis was conducted to find repeated patterns of meaning amongst the interview transcripts. Three overarching themes were identified and discussed: (1) identity validation, (2) a desire to speak out, and (3) identifying evidence of social change. Implications and future directions were discussed in light of contemporary media use to facilitate affirmative practices and for practitioners to heighten their awareness of the significance of gender in their own lives.
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Gemma Lee TaylorConstruct validity of the Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration 6th Edition (Beery VMI-6) in Western Australian primary-school childrenhttp://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1468
http://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1468Sun, 31 Jan 2016 22:20:16 PSTAIM: The construct validity of the 6th edition of the Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (Beery VMI-6), is yet to be tested for a Western Australian population. This study aimed to use a combination of factor analysis and correlational tests to provide preliminary evidence for the construct validity of the Beery VMI-6 when administered to a Western Australian population of 6-10 year old children.

METHOD: This pilot study utilised a quantitative non-experimental exploratory design. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 91 children (aged 6-10 years old) from two schools in the northern suburbs of Perth. Administration of the Beery VMI-6 adhered to the assessment manual guidelines. In addition, informal observations were made, and a Parent Questionnaire and Teacher Checklist were instrumented. Data was stored and analysed using SPSS 22. As the data was normally distributed, parametric analysis was used, with a paired t-test for the factor analysis and Pearson’s for the correlational tests. Principal Components Analysis and orthogonal Varimax rotation were used for the factor analysis.

RESULTS: The factor analysis extracted two factors with eigenvalues exceeding 1.5, accounting for 33.106% of the total variance. Nine items loaded significantly on factor 1 and eight loaded significantly on factor 2. Correlational tests exposed that three out of five construct validity hypotheses from the Beery VMI-6 manual were justified for this population, however all significant correlations were of weak to low strength.

CONCLUSION: For this population, the Beery VMI-6 is bidimensional with factor complexity. It therefore does not measure the single homogenous construct of visual-motor integration as the manual suggests, but instead measures two discrete constructs. Considering the results of the factor analysis and the mixed results of the correlational tests, the construct validity of the Beery VMI-6 does not meet the demands expected of a standardised assessment for the Western Australian population. It is therefore recommended that Occupational Therapists are cautious when using the Beery VMI-6 within this population, and that they add to the assessment by using clinical reasoning and observation.